Given the Following Position on Euthanasia (Doctor-Assisted Suicide), Identify Which

question 57

Short Answer

Given the following position on euthanasia (doctor-assisted suicide), identify which of the three major ethical theories discussed in the text-utilitarianism, duty theory, or virtue ethics-it follows. Note that each theory may encompass several possible viewpoints on an issue.
Active euthanasia should not be legalized; it is much too dangerous. The consequences could be devastating to our society. If we allow terminally ill people access to euthanasia, what guarantees do we have that such access won't be abused? It would be easy to imagine greedy relatives insisting that it is better for Grandma to die sooner than linger in pain, or to imagine Grandma choosing to die sooner so she won't cost the family a lot of money. Overall, access to euthanasia may cause terrible unhappiness.

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Definitions:

Intimacy

The feeling of being close and connected to someone, involving both physical and emotional closeness.

Generativity

A concern for establishing and guiding the next generation, often expressed through parenting, teaching, mentoring, and contributing positively to society.

Postconventional

A stage of moral development where individuals make ethical choices based on universal ethical principles and internalized values.

Moral Development

The process through which individuals develop proper attitudes and behaviors toward other people in society, based on social and cultural norms, laws, and personal beliefs.